by Lawrence Bland
Only two hikers, starting from different points, Martin left the White Cross and walked along the canal, crossing the Aqueduct and following a path over the fields to Slyne and the Keys. I walked over Cross Hill, took the new path along the Torrisholme side of the new Link Road to Powderhouse Lane and continued up Hasty Brow Road and Throstle Grove to the Keys. Ringwood beers seemed to be in season, Razor Back and Boondoggle at Slyne Lodge. Continuing along Manor Road, Shady Lane and Hest Bank Lane to the Hest Bank Hotel, I had a Little Valley Stage Winner (a Yorkshire beer celebrating the Tour of Yorkshire cycle race). Rejoining the canal and onto Bolton-le-Sands and the Blue Anchor, our first visit since a refurbishment and we finished at the Royal, busy with diners, as was the Hest bank. Back to Lancaster by bus.